Diva Uncensored: Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass Book One
Written by Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy, Romance
Published August 2nd 2012
404 Pages
Thanks to Gina at Behind The Pages
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Warning. Review is part of the Diva Uncensored series
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, eighteen year old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition. She must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... But it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... Quickly followed by another.

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
She was once the worlds greatest assassin, and at only seventeen years old found herself sentenced to the mines where only the strong survive the mere three month life expectancy. But when she's escorted by the Captain of the Royal Guard to the palace, Celaena assumes her time has come. But rather, she's being recruited as Prince Dorian Havilliard's entrant in the ruthless competition to find the King's Champion. Refusal will see her returned to the mines, where no doubt she will be dead within a year, but to compete may ensure her freedom after four years of service. The King is as ruthless as he is cruel, and to win Celaena will need to remain anonymous and unworthy.

But as the competitors are found one by one, bloodied and murdered, it seems the only one in the castle that can decipher the ritualistic clues is the visiting Princess Nehemia. Celaena will be forced to survive the grueling competition, while both Royal Guard Chaol Westfall and Prince Dorian vow to keep her safe. But with mass genocide at the King's bidding, ritualistic killings and the competition reaching it's conclusion, Celaena's identity will be revealed and it won't only be the competitors calling for her blood to be shed.

The Diva Uncensored


Every so often a book comes around that leaves you spellbound. The Winner's Curse did it. These Broken Stars did it, and now Throne of Glass has done it. It was fucking awesome. Why may you ask? Celaena. It seems readers either love her or loathe her. She's the epitome of what a feisty young heroine should be. Sassy, sarcastic and uncensored. She's an assassin and even a year after being incarcerated within the mines, she's still feared by the townspeople. She had me flipping pages faster than a fat kid chasing an ice cream truck and within a few chapters, I was ready to confess my girl crush and shove Chaol and Dorian out the way.

Captain of the Royal Guard Chaol, and Prince Dorian. Apart from his overly effeminate name, the Prince didn't win me over as being worthy of our Celaena. He was nice enough, but felt a little too seedy and likely to fall into the first warm bed he found. Now Chaol? He's a love interest I can get on board with. Although he never shows any romantic intentions towards Celaena, it's a delicious slow burning attraction that left me fanning myself. Celaena seemed oblivious to the male attention she was attracting, until one lunges for her.

The world building is absolutely incredible, the oppressive rule beckoned to my inner troublemaker and even though the series hints at the outlawed magic of the kingdom returning. I'm hoping the series doesn't explore the magical pixies or fairies in too much detail, I have a deep seeded loathing for fairies, regardless of how incredible Celaena is. Unless you're granting wishes for Disney, you have no place in young adult.

For all of you that shoved Throne of Glass at me, thank you. You bloody bastards have me completely hooked. I'm even wondering if I can forgo life completely until I finish the series. Hope you're all happy that you've sucked me in now as well.


Crown of Midnight awaits.

54 comments

  1. Ohhh. I think I love this version of Kelly! I wish I could say the same for this book, though...Yep. hated this one. Hated Caelena. I'm about to be incarcerated as we speak. Le sigh.

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    1. I can understand why Joy, she's either one of those you love or loathe and I was surprised at how much I did actually like her.

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  2. I've heard so many things about these books, but it just never seemed like the right fit for me. I might have to check this one out at some point.

    -lauren

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    1. I thought the same Lauren, not generally being a big fan of fantasy. But I absolutely loved it! Definitely give it a go, I think you'll really enjoy it.

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  3. FAJDSKFLADS YAAAAAAY!! OH KELLY! YOU HAVE JOINED THE RANKS OF THRONE OF GLASS FANGIRLS AND I AM SO SO PROUD! HUZZAH AND HURRAY!!! THERE IS ONLY CHALEANA. (Hover you spell it. Gawsh. I can't spell Caleana to save my life. I never remember if it's ae or ea. But whatever. you know my inner fangirl is too busy hyperventilating at this point.)
    AFJLDKSA
    THE NEXT BOOK IS EVEN BETTER.
    THE NOVELLAS WILL BREAK YOUR HEART.

    ARE YOU TIRED OF ME YELLING YET?

    I AM SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT!!!

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    1. Yell away. I'm used to your squawking by now and always come prepared with earplugs.

      I'm worried that I'll be on the losing ship team with the series, even more so now that I'm reading Ensnared as well. I've got the entire series already, including The Assassin's Blade as well. If it doesn't end well, I expect chocolate and a consoling shoulder.

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  4. YAAAAAAAAY. I'm so, so, so glad you loved this Kelly! :) It's seriously one of my favourite books. Ever. So it's nice to read reviews like this that share such similar thoughts. I thought Crown of Midnight was just as good--if not even better. Enjoy. :) (Also? Love that last gif. :P)

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    1. It's Chow! I love Chow!

      I love hearing that the series only gets better. next week I'm moving onto book two, so my expectations are pretty high. I need more Chaol.

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  5. When I read the title of this post I was so worried you were going to rip it to shreds. BUT YOU LOVED IT YAY!!! These books get better and better with each installment I reckon and I can't wait to see your reaction to the epicness of Crown of Midnight!!

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    1. Oh yeah. I didn't think about that actually. Probably why so many have clicked on the review. I'm thrilled to join the masses that love Throne of Glass though, it was actually my second read, after not really being in the mood or enjoying fantasy all that much the first time. Since reading Red Queen, I realised how much I actually DO enjoy mild fantasy.

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  6. This was my first book read in English, back in September 2013. It was so HARD for me to read it but, in the end, I very much enjoyed the book, especially the characters. Would have preferred for Celeana to be more kickass though :P Glad you loved!!!

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    1. It must have really set the bar with it being your first English read. I can imagine it was probably more difficult to get through though. So glad you enjoyed it in the end. Have you continued on with the series since?

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  7. Yay for being uncensored! I think I love this review, haha. I have Throne of Glass on my tbr and I'll read it soon, I seriously will... I really want to meet this Chaol fellow xD

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    1. Thanks Marianne and you totally do. He's hotness personified. You'll swoon your ass off. Guaranteed.

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  8. "You bloody bastards..." I cackled. You're welcome even if I didn't push you to read this. I am so glad that you're part of the ToG clan now (is there such a thing). I totally agree with the impending girl crush with Celaena. The romance, however, left me a little bit torn. I'm all the way Chaoleana, BUT DORIAN is so nice and sweet (I could totally have him for myself :p)

    Fantastic 'uncensored' review you have here, Kelly! Love it!

    PS: Can't wait for you to read Crown of Midnight. That book slayed me.

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    1. Thanks Abby.

      You kids and your internet talk. I'm hoping slaying means it was incredible! I liked Dorian, but found him to be a little sleazy. I'm more inclined to cheer on the silent and dangerous types.

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  9. Your review just makes me more anxious to get a copy of the book! But it seems like I have bad luck because I've inquired in 3 book stores and not one has a copy. :(
    Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor

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    1. Perhaps a local library? I know The Book Depository has copies for around $12.00 with free postage, so that could be an option even. Hopefully you can get your hands on a copy, it's incredible!

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  10. Hahah I love the Diva Uncensored! Go Kelly! I am incredibly pleased that you LOVED this book, now that you're discovering what the hype train is about, there's a big reason for it. Lovely review, will, you be reading Crown of Midnight soon? It's even better!

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    1. I will, as soon as I finish my current reads. The first time I read this, I wasn't in the mood and ended up frustrated. This time? What a difference the right frame of mind makes. I totally get it now. The hype is so deserved too.

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  11. I've never fangirled this hard over a female MC of a book before reading Throne of Glass.Celaena is amazing,isn't she?She's proof that a girl can kick some ass while having great hair.
    Yay!Another Chaolaena shipper! Give me a five,Kelly.They are one of my favourite OTPs ever.I am sure you'll love them even more in Crown of Midnight.The tension between them is so hot.

    No go read everything else that Sarah had written,Kelly!The sequels are amazing,the novellas are breathtaking.Go try them out!

    Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales

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  12. Caelena sounds like a really likeable character. I love strong heroines like the ones in The Lunar Chronicles. There's not enough of them, so it's always nice to see more. I think I need to read this book.

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    1. You do Ana, you totally do. Caelena was so incredibly strong, sassy and knew how to get the job done. She's now one of my favourite young adult heroines.

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  13. This review is A+++. I haven't read it (maybe one day. Let's leave it there.), but I've heard only great things. I love that feeling when you find a series and you need need to next book like air. YES.

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    1. You need to read it Rebecca. I thought I was one of the last ones actually. It's utterly brilliant. Beg, borrow or steal a copy. Well, not steal but you know what I mean. It's awesome.

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  14. ASDHKRL YAY YOU LIKED IT <3 *flails*

    Celeana's totally the best character ever. I wanted more action from her, but dang this book is awesome. The world building, the characters, and then of course CHAOLEANA!!!!!! 'Nuffing said ;)

    Crown of Midnight killed me. :P That book...
    *shakes head*

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    1. Oh no. No shaking of the head. Why are you shaking your head? Is it bad?
      Will I not like the romantic storyline in that one?

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  15. CAN THIS BE A PERMANENT FEATURE BECAUSE I AM KIND OF REALLY REALLY IN LOVE WITH THIS, YOU.

    "She had me flipping pages faster than a fat kid chasing an ice cream truck" I choked on my own laughter. HOLY. Your simile game is on point hahahahaha

    ToG didn't really win me over (mwahaha I liked the prince though because apparently seediness steals my heart) BUT CROWN OF MIDNIGHT WAS AMAZING. I must admit though, I kind of abandoned HoF after chapter 3. I'll go back, one day.

    HILARIOUS REVIEW, PLS KEEP THIS FORMAT AROUND. I beg of you. Brilliant review, Kelly!

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    1. I learnt from the best. How could I not slip a Jessaphore in there.

      It be a regular thing with my personal reads. I need to tone down the bogan for review copies, unless I didn't actually enjoy it, then it's game on. How come you didn't finish the finale? I must know now. I demand you tell me missy.

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  16. Wooohoo currently reading this (only just started) but so glad you liked it. You've made me that much more excited to keep reading. It's going great so far and I only expect better things!

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    1. It's absolutely awesome Shanny, I can't wait to see what you think of it. We'll probably be reading book two at around the same time. Make sure you hit me up on Twitter when you start it and we can chat.

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  17. Welcome to Heaven, fellow Throne of Glass fangirl.
    YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAAYYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    YOU'VE READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Thanks Faith. I know, I'm late joining the group but better late than never.

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  18. Hahaha I gotta say, you should have uncensored reviews more often. It really adds...personally to it? I haven't met one person who doesn't like Throne of Glass and I'm glad your on board! I'm glad your team Chaol, he's such a great character!

    Great review Kelly!

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    1. Thanks Francoise. I've seen a few who haven't enjoyed it but those are so few and far between. I simply loved it and so excited to continue the series soon.

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  19. Just so you know, I am one of those people who never really liked Caleana :P Do with that info what you will. I have my reasons you! Don't judge me. The entire book read like one of my favorites so I ended up feeling meh about it. And Caleana just didn't live up to my expectations. I love me some assassins butt idk.

    But I shall zip it now and let you bask in the afterglow of reading a fantastic book without me telling you why this book didn't work for me.

    I am really glad you enjoyed it, Kelly! :)

    Fantastic review! :DD

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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    1. Thanks Rashika. I actually felt the same way the first time I'd read it. I wasn't all that into fantasy and I really didn't enjoy it. This time, I absolutely loved it. After reading and loving Red Queen, I've found a new love for fantasy fusion books. Maybe you should give it another go too, your tastes may have changed and you might enjoy it this time.

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  20. OH KELLY...I'M LAUGHING SO HARD RIGHT NOW! This is such a fantastic review, and I'm loving the new Diva Uncensored feature! While I was a bit meh about the first one (I was annoyed at how Celaena kept saying she was the world's great assassin, but she never really assassinated), but I must say that the next two books are infinitely better, so I am really excited to see what you think of them.

    Thanks for sharing, and, as always, brilliant review!

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    1. I'm so excited to continue the series based on that comment alone Zoe. It's not often you see a second book in any series succeed the original. And I expect lots of assassinating as well.

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  21. YES CHAOL. Jump on my ship, all aboard, welcome, welcome!!!! I am SO glad you loved this one, but I will say this: JUST YOU WAIT. Because book 2 is the one that completely got me hooked on the series and then book 3 . . . well . . . SLAYED MY HEART

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    1. Oh no, that's the second slayed comment. I'm hoping it was in a positive light and all the characters don't drop dead from a nasty plague or something.

      That would be most unfortunate.

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  22. HAH! You finally read it! Whoopee! You have no idea how happy that makes me, Kelly! ^_^ This is a wonderful series, and I can't wait for you to read the second book (out of the four, it is my favorite...) and yes, Celaena is a heroine jam-packed of awesomeness. I can't imagine her any other way!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. She's incredible and you can see she hasn't even hit her straps yet. I need to pull my socks up, finish my current reads and get stuck into the next book. I'm already itching to crack it open.

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  23. Love your review Kelly, diva uncensored rocks! HAHA I think it's time for me to get sucked in as well. Time to get my copy soon. :D

    Ella @ The Filipina Booknote

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    1. You really need to grab a copy Ella. I can understand why the series is so hyped up now. I honestly just wanted to crawl inside the book and never come up for air. Loved it!

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  24. Yeaaaaaaaaaa! I absolutely love it when you do Diva Uncensored because I LOVE THESE REVIEW POSTS. Anyway, I'm glad that you loved this one, hun! I personally didn't see how kicks Celaena was until Crown of Midnight, tbh but it's a bloody fantastic series anyways.

    Loved the review! <33

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    1. I need to let my inner bogan out more often. She doesn't enjoy being subdued.

      That comment makes me even more excited to move on with the series, it's not often the second book surpasses the original Ohhh, I can't wait!

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  25. Did you just read this now? IT'S AMAZING ISN'T IT :D I love Celaena; she's my most favorite character I came across through the world of fiction. Awesome review, Kelly!! I can't wait to continue the series, though asdfjkl;

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    1. I read it once before, but wasn't in the mood for it at the time and didn't click with the storyline sadly. Since then, I've read and enjoyed more fantasy, which I normally wold have shied away from. But this time around I absolutely loved it!

      Have you read the series, or just Throne of Glass as well?

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  26. Welcome to the Throne of Glass fangirl club, we have milk, cookies, and fan art (I'm not a madwoman I swear, I came across your blog through Readers in Wonderland) hehe :)

    I LOVE this series, with a passion! Every book gets better and better! I was also routing for Celaena and Chaol in this book as well! Great review, I love coming across glowing reviews of my favourite books! :)

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  27. I don't usually like fantasy, but everyone's been saying good things about this, so I'll have to give it a try!

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  28. :) So glad you enjoyed it... welcome to the Chaol lovefest!

    And I am loving your decision for uncensored reviews - keep it up ;)

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  29. I am so glad you loved this! This is one of my fav books EVER. You need to read the rest ASAP they get better and better! Chaol all the way!!!

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  30. I don't know how I ended up in your January posts lol I like creeping old posts xD I recently read this a couple of weeks ago, I liked it but not as much as everyone else :( Let's see, maybe the series gets better for me - Glad you enjoyed it though, the covers are all beautiful.
    <3 Benish | Feminist Reflections

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